Mohsin Peerzada's

  Rethinking Alternate Road Connectivity to Kashmir “With just one highway connecting Jammu and Kashmir, frequent blockades during critical times like the fruit season cause severe disruptions and economic losses. Fast-tracking the Mughal Road and NH-244 is essential to build a reliable network that guarantees uninterrupted access and strengthens the region’s resilience.” Peerzada Mohsin Shafi T he year 2025 proved to be a harsh examination for the country’s administrative and infrastructure planning, especially in the wake of increasing climate-induced calamities. From the northernmost stretches of Jammu and Kashmir to the southern states like Kerala, relentless rainfall, floods and cloudbursts left widespread destruction. Across regions, public infrastructure crumbled under the weight of nature’s fury. Jammu and Kashmir saw significant damage with events such as the Kishtwar cloudburst, Ramban landslide, Vaishno Devi slide and Jammu floods. Other states ...

  NBCC’s Bemina Township “A year of silence after the announcement of the Bemina Township has left residents questioning whether the ambitious plans for sustainable living and modern infrastructure will ever materialize.” Peerzada Mohsin Shafi T he announcement of a satellite township at Bemina in August last year had created a wave of anticipation across Srinagar. With a memorandum of understanding signed between the Srinagar Development Authority and NBCC, it was portrayed as the dawn of a new chapter in Kashmir’s urban story. A project worth fifteen thousand crore rupees was promised to rise over more than four hundred acres of land at Rakh e Gund Akshah with a design that combined modernity sustainability and affordability. The people were told to expect a township with high end villas and modest apartments commercial complexes five-star resort sports arenas and above all over three thousand affordable housing units. For a city long burdened by haphaza...

  Book Review: My Beta Does Computer Things. "Sanjay Manaktala’s book challenges the culture of measuring success by titles and salaries, a theme familiar in Kashmiri households. Peerzada Mohsin Shafi There are books that inform, books that entertain and then there are those that hold up a mirror to society in ways that are both uncomfortable and liberating. Sanjay Manaktala’s My Beta Does Computer Things, published by HarperCollins India in belongs firmly in the third category. At first glance, it seems like a humorous take on India’s fascination with software jobs, but beneath the wit lies a deep social critique. For Kashmir, where conversations around careers are often confined to engineering and government service, the book’s message resonates with unusual force. Manaktala writes from experience. Having worked as an IT consultant before moving into stand-up comedy, he brings a rare blend of insider knowledge and outsider critique. His prose is conversational, often res...

  Infrastructure for Survival Rethinking Kashmir’s Flood Preparedness "Once a lifeline of Kashmir, the Jhelum River now stands as a growing threat. A decade after the devastating 2014 floods, the question still looms large: Has enough been done to prevent the next disaster?" Peerzada Mohsin Shafi T he Jhelum is not merely a river that flows through Kashmir but it is the very artery of life in the valley. From irrigating fields to providing drinking water, from supporting ecosystems to defining the cultural landscape, the Jhelum has always been central to the Kashmiri way of life. Yet, for all its blessings, the river has also carried within it a shadow which is the recurring fear of floods. The 2014 deluge remains etched in public memory as one of the darkest chapters of modern Kashmir, exposing how fragile our flood protection infrastructure really is. More than a decade later, the question still lingers, Has enough been done to ensure that such dev...

  Infrastructure Slowdown Wave of Tender Cancellation Stalls J&K’s Infrastructure Growth. “With this, even the high-potential Sawalkote 1856 MW HEP tender that was floated few weeks ago has joined the race of cancelled tenders, sending a troubling signal to investors and citizens alike.” Peerzada Mohsin Shafi I nfrastructure development has long been viewed as a cornerstone of economic growth and modernization for any society. With a growing demand for better connectivity, energy security, and regional development, the government has promised a range of ambitious projects for the UT of Jammu and Kashmir which includes but are not limited to roads, tunnels and hydropower projects. These projects are not only crucial for the region's development but are also expected to significantly contribute to the overall growth of the nation. However, in recent years, a troubling pattern has emerged, casting a shadow over these much-anticipated plans. Over the pas...

The Hidden Exploitation in Free Medical Camps Peerzada Mohsin Shafi I n  the past, medical camps were organized by charitable organizations, hospitals and healthcare workers with the sole aim of serving the community. These camps were a lifeline for those in rural or underserved areas offering basic healthcare, free tests and treatments to individuals who otherwise might not have access to medical care. The purpose was clear to provide support to the underprivileged and improve overall health outcomes. Unfortunately, the landscape has shifted. While many free medical camps still exist with genuine intentions, an increasing number are turning into commercial ventures, with profit-driven motives that often leave patients vulnerable. Today, it is not uncommon to scroll through social media and see posts about free heart checkups, eye exams and even free medications and tests. The word “free” is a powerful marketing tool and it entices a large number of people to at...

  Nature's Wake-up Call  Ramban and Uttarkashi Flash Floods “Ramban and Uttarkashi’s flash floods are not just natural disasters but the direct result of human impact on fragile ecosystems, urging us to rethink our environmental policies.” Peerzada Mohsin Shafi O n  19 th   April 2025, the Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir faced a devastating cloudburst that turned into a catastrophic flash flood, affecting the entire region. The calamity left behind widespread destruction, wiping out homes, businesses and infrastructure. According to reports, around 350 people were rescued, but the damage was immense. The National Highway 44 (the was blocked at multiple points due to mudslides and complete washouts. Vehicles, including those carrying goods and livestock were stranded with some survivors but many others perishing due to the poor road conditions. Additionally, construction companies working on the highway suffered heavy losses as their ma...